We used Google to ask the following :Date: 02-06-2026 – query: ‘who is paul in the bible​​’
‘Below we display the search results including ( if applicable ) our mark-ups in  ‘green italics‘

AI Results : 

Paul the Apostle, originally named Saul of Tarsus, was a 1st-century Roman citizen and devout Jew who transformed from a fierce persecutor of Christians into the early Church’s most influential missionary and theologian after a dramatic encounter with Jesus. He wrote 13 books of the New Testament and significantly expanded Christianity to Gentiles across the Roman Empire.
Key details about Paul in the Bible:
Background: Born in Tarsus, he was a Roman citizen and a Pharisee who actively persecuted the early church.
Conversion: On the road to Damascus, a blinding light and the voice of Jesus converted him to Christianity.
Missionary Journeys: He conducted three major missionary journeys throughout Asia Minor and Greece, establishing numerous churches.
Writings: Paul authored a large portion of the New Testament (including Romans, Corinthians, Galatians), which established key Christian doctrines on salvation by grace.
“Apostle to the Gentiles”: His ministry focused on bringing the message of Jesus to non-Jewish people, fundamentally shaping the early church.
Death: He was martyred for his faith in Rome around 64-65 AD.

This appears in line with what we have studied

Paul’s authority is controversial primarily because he was not one of the original twelve apostles, had no earthly connection to Jesus, and advocated for Gentile inclusion without Mosaic Law, breaking from traditional Jewish-Christian roots. His teachings often appear to contradict or override Jesus’s, and critics cite his views on gender, sexuality, and the law as problematic.

Key controversies regarding Paul’s authority include:
Apostolic Legitimacy: Critics questioned his authority because he never met Jesus during his earthly ministry, relying instead on a Damascus road revelation.
Antagonism to Jewish Law: Paul taught that salvation was through faith, not adherence to the law (circumcision, dietary laws), alienating Jewish leaders and creating schisms between Jewish and Gentile believers.

Theology vs. Jesus: Some argue Paul’s “heavy” doctrinal focus diverged from the teachings of Jesus.
Controversial Social Teachings: Paul is criticized for patriarchal views, such as requiring women to be silent in church (1 Cor 14:34) and instructions regarding slaves.

Shifting Authority: He was often viewed as a disruptive, “pestilent” influence who changed traditional views, with his authority sometimes questioned even within the early church.

Despite these controversies, Paul’s authority is maintained through his intense personal testimony and his pivotal role in expanding Christianity to the Gentiles